As we go to press, we have just received word that Hyundai has filed suit against the City of Eugene and Lane County challenging the changes to the West Eugene Enterprise Zone program adopted June 30. Hyundai stands to receive roughly $170 million in future tax breaks for its factories in Eugene -- the city and county established modest revisions requiring companies in the program to repay roughly 15% in public benefit payments.

Hyundai is challenging the revisions, claiming they violate the Enterprise Zone statute and the Oregon constitution. The right to revise the program's conditions was established by the State, and there was considerable public pressure to reduce the giveaways, particularly in the wake of the decimation of public services by Ballot Measure 47/50.

Hyundai, our good neighbor.